This study was conducted on the genital tract of 214 ewes in Basrah province. The
specimens were randomly collected from Basrah slaughter house within the period from
' December 2003 to April 2004. l
The study aimed to evaluate and describe the different types of abnormalities affecting
the genital tract of ewes both grossly and microscopically. - ‘
' The gross examination of collected specimens was confirmed by histological examination.
Pathological changes were found in 46% of the total cases.
Uterine abnormalities comprised (70%) whereas ovarian abnormalities comprised
(24%) and oviduct abnormalities were (6%).The commonest pathological conditions of the
uterus was endometritislwhich comprised (24.76%) of pathological conditions. followed by
endometrial hyperplasiai (2.33%) and pyometra (1:86 %). V I
T The commonest abnormalities of the ovary are ovarian cysts (4.2%), followed by Para
ovarian cysts (3.27%) and ovarobursal adhesion (2.8%). _
The abnormalities of the oviduct were less common and hydrosalpinx was the
- commonest lesion (0.93 %). _ .
2 _ Neither congenital nor neoplastic abnormalities were detected in this study. . '
The study concluded that acquired pathological conditions are the major causes of
abnormalities of the genital tract, of which endometritis is the most common. Thus,‘ the low
reproductive rate of ewes may be attributed to that fact.